The AR voice, as James Lipton once said on Actor's Studio program, "If velvet had a voice, it would be Alan Rickman.' Soooo true! When I thought of having Snape read audiobooks, I was so excited I...TMI. haha.
Snape's lesson was a delicious scene to write, and how could Harry not cry at it, but you're right about Snape's self-denial. How typical of otherwise self-aware people, to get it wrong when it comes to their own hearts.
I'm so pleased you enjoyed the story--thanks for telling me, and I'm glad I could help to start your week off in a good way.